LINDALE, Texas — Lindale ISD has received earbuds that will help non-English speaking students overcome language barriers to their education by offering real-time translation.
The Lindale ISD Education Foundation gave the school district an emergency grant to fund Timekettle Language Translator Earbuds, which connects to an iOS device using Bluetooth and has the ability to translate over 90 different languages. These tools can be used in any classroom.
According to the school district, the earbuds allow emergent bilingual students to have the same opportunities and access as English-speaking students.
“Our goal is to remove language barriers so that our non-English speaking students can connect with others and have educational success to help them achieve their full potential,” said Federal Programs Director Christy Clouse. “These translation earbuds will allow these students to hear instruction and also to be able to communicate with their teachers, school staff, and peers.”
Lindale ISD said its students speak up to 11 different languages, including Spanish, Russian, Polish, Japanese and Korean. There are over 20 students who are new to the United States have enrolled in the school district during the 2023-24 academic year.
“The Lindale Education Foundation is very proud to be able to provide funding for critical tools such as these translation earbuds,” said Executive Director Courtney Sanguinetti. “Communication in every setting is important, especially in education. Now, our ESL students can fully participate and learn in the classroom to better prepare them for the future.”